For the past few thousand miles I've noticed a low rubbing/popping noise when I turn the steering wheel. Anybody else experiencing this issue? I've also noticed a fair amount of wind noise coming from the passenger side mirror or window. I'll be taking it in for service next week. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/banana.gif)

I am hearing the exact same sounds from my RAV4. It does it at low speeds and especially when I turn left and brake at the same time, I hear a low popping sound (like a plastic water bottle crushing) from the front and there is a disturbing metallic rattle sound coming from the front passenger side. I took it to the dealer but they couldn't find anything (as usual). I'd be more than interested to hear if anyone else had the same problem and whether/how it got fixed...

I took my truck in and they couldn't find anything wrong and just lubed the bushings on the column. The sound went away for a day.

Hello,

I have my 2007 RAV4 (2.4 silver, base version) for something over a year (bought in November 2007) and overall I am happy about the car with 2 exceptions:
1. a lag in acceleration - after pushing the gas pedal, the car hesitates to accelerate. It is very annoying and in heavy traffic it can be even dangerous. The Toyota guys explained to me that it is because of the electronic regulation and there is not too much they can do about it, unless Toyota comes up with new upgraded version of the software. Well, I would appreciate that...

2. I did about 8000 miles when I started hearing strange clicking noise while steering to the right. I complained about it at multiple Toyota dealerships, but the mechanics could not identified the problem. While riding with the mechanics, the problem was not that obvious, so they would not be able to diagnose what was wrong. Friend of mine bought the same car at the same time and had same, but more prominent problem. Recently they succeeded to identify a faulty steering shaft assembly in his car and two parts were replaced ( about $175 and $250). I have now about 20000 mile on my odometer, and the problem was not getting much worse, yet it was annoying. I wrote down the numbers of the parts they replaced on his car, went to the dealership and wanted them to look at them and possibly replace them if damaged. Voilà, they found the very same parts to be broken, and promised to replace them. If anybody is interested in parts numbers, let me know. I believe there are many of us with the same problem.

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If it's indeed a popping sound then I would suggest to have a mechanic take a look at the ball joints, CV joints or the bushings on the steering rack.

Alright, I have the car back from the dealership and the problem with steering is fixed. As predicted, the intermediate steering shafts (1&2) were causing the noise that many of us were complaining about. Toyota recently issued a bulletin stating they know about the problem and they redesigned the steering shafts to be replaced under the warranty if problem occurs within the warranty period. I am happy about their service, but if you go there remind them about the bulletin since technicians may not know about it.

Romesko,

Was the noise you were hearing a rubbing/grinding noise or a popping sound? Mine makes a rubbing noise but that's it?

What are those part numbers by the way?

I have a 98 RAV4 Automatic. And recently I've been experiencing the rubbing sound while I steer hard to the left or right. My mech has no clue cuz it didn't sound then. I'm confused if it's becuz of the steering pump or belt or bolt... I'll be glad if somebody can help me out.
And I also hear a rattling sound when in my front (mostly right) tires when I turn to the right.